Business Resilience is the Focus of Free Red Cross Cascadia Earthquake Preparedness Forum

Posted 2016-07-12

The Red Cross Prepare Out Loud for Business forum on July 20 aims to teach attendees practical steps to start preparing workplaces for disasters and the important role individuals can play in building a culture of preparedness at home and at work.

PORTLAND, Ore., July 12, 2016 - The American Red Cross and local partners are helping businesses and organizations of all sizes be prepared for disasters, such as a 9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, by holding Prepare Out Loud for Business on July 20, at Tektronix in Beaverton, Oregon.

Forum attendees will hear directly from top business leaders from Tektronix, PGE and Intel the steps they’re taking to plan for emergencies and the tools available to engage employees, assess readiness, and strengthen business resilience.

“National statistics show that 40 percent of businesses do not reopen after a disaster and another 25 percent fail within one year,” said Amy Shlossman, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. “Prepare Out Loud brings together top business leaders to share the steps all businesses can take now to prepare their employees and organizations for disasters of all kinds.”

In addition to business continuity information, Red Cross preparedness presenters will share information on the science and history of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, how humans behave during disasters, how to quickly locate your loved ones following a disaster, and how much food, water and other supplies you will need to take care of yourself and others.

Following the Prepare Out Loud for Business forum, attendees will understand the central role their own actions and voices play in building a culture of resilience both at work and at home.